News and Investigations

News & Investigations

News Releases and Public Information

Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.

PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Alicia Manautou. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org.

The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.

Jan 4, 2016

Second Annual "Jeepin' With Sheriff Judd" Charity Event Set for February 5-7, 2016

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, PIO

The second annual "Jeepin' with Sheriff Judd" Jeep charity event will be held Friday through Sunday, February 5-7, 2016, at Clear Springs Ranch off of Cox Road in Bartow.

The public is invited to join Sheriff Judd, PCSO members, and our many gracious sponsors and vendors at this charity event - all proceeds raised will go to Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc., a non-profit organization created to assist family members of agency members who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and which also helped fund the Polk County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Memorial. The memorial, which was dedicated on January 18, 2011, honors those members of the Polk County Sheriff's Office who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety and freedom.

Spectators are free and the whole family is welcome to attend! There will be activities and bounce houses for the kids, food and merchandise vendors, and great raffle prizes, including a 2006 JEEP TJ! We will have overnight camping again this year, for $20.00 per night. So far, 497 Jeeps are registered for this event - last year, there were 436 Jeeps and over 1,500 people in attendance; 170 volunteers donated their time, helping raise $25,000 for Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc.

WHEN: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 5-7, 2016

COST: $60.00, which covers everyone in your Jeep, trail rides, and access to the obstacle course. All participants will be required to complete a waiver prior to access to the course and rides. Spectators are free - everyone is welcome to attend!

Visit www.jeepinwithjudd.com to register or for more information, or email jeepinwithjudd@gmail.com.

Visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Jeepin-With-Judd-668724663235518/?fref=ts

We hope to see you there! Media representatives - video and photo opportunities will be made available. Please contact a PIO for assistance.